Greek prosecutors have launched an investigation after video footage emerged showing a municipal truck dumping construction debris, bulky waste and other materials at an unofficial site in the Halkidiki region of northern Greece.
The footage, which sparked public criticism, appears to show waste being deposited near forest land and areas protected under the Natura environmental network. Authorities are now examining whether environmental regulations were violated.
The investigation focuses on the uncontrolled disposal of waste in environmentally sensitive locations, following complaints accompanied by video evidence.
The mayor of Sithonia denied that the incident involved illegal dumping, saying the materials had been temporarily relocated after being collected during municipal cleanup operations.
According to the mayor, a municipal employee found wooden debris hidden in dense vegetation near a wastewater treatment facility, loaded it onto a municipal truck and transported it to an open area that is cleared by the municipality every two to three days before the materials are transferred to a licensed recycling facility.
He said the area has long struggled with illegal dumping, noting that the municipality removed around 3,500 tonnes of construction debris in May alone.
The mayor also questioned the speed of the prosecutorial response, arguing that similar action had not been taken against privately operated recycling facilities that he claimed have documented planning violations.
He added that the municipality has a contract with a licensed waste management company for the disposal of collected materials.
